Heavy Minerals

Heavy minerals are naturally occurring minerals that are denser than common minerals like quartz and feldspar. They are often found in sandy or sedimentary deposits and include minerals such as zircon, rutile, monazite, and ilmenite. Due to their higher density, they settle more quickly during sediment transport, allowing geologists to separate and study them for purposes like mineral exploration, age dating, and understanding Earth's geological history. These minerals are valuable for industrial uses, including the production of ceramics, pigments, and titanium metal. Their presence provides insights into geological processes and mineral resources.